Trumpeter and vocalist Louis Prima made plenty of records in his day--on Capitol, Dot, even his own Prima One label. But these Capitol recordings show the bandleader at the height of his artistry; it's a trip well worth th... more &raquoe steep price for Prima completists. Eight CDs document the classic "jump, jive, and wail" that made Prima a lounge icon. One CD is devoted exclusively to his live work. Keely Smith (Prima's best-known singing companion/wife) and Sam Butera (Prima's long-time arranger/saxophonist) are both represented here, with two CDs each. The liner notes, as with all Bear Family box sets, are intelligent, profuse, and well-researched. The collection is really more Prima than you probably ever wanted, but for parties, it can't be beat. --Jason Verlinde&laquo less

Synopsis

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Trumpeter and vocalist Louis Prima made plenty of records in his day--on Capitol, Dot, even his own Prima One label. But these Capitol recordings show the bandleader at the height of his artistry; it's a trip well worth the steep price for Prima completists. Eight CDs document the classic "jump, jive, and wail" that made Prima a lounge icon. One CD is devoted exclusively to his live work. Keely Smith (Prima's best-known singing companion/wife) and Sam Butera (Prima's long-time arranger/saxophonist) are both represented here, with two CDs each. The liner notes, as with all Bear Family box sets, are intelligent, profuse, and well-researched. The collection is really more Prima than you probably ever wanted, but for parties, it can't be beat. --Jason Verlinde

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CD Reviews

The Ultimate Louis Prima set!

David L. White | Everett, WA USA | 03/18/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This set has got it all. If you are a hard core Louis Prima fan, this is the set for you! The set isn't just about Louis: It includes 2 CDs with Keely Smith and 2 with Sam Butera. Keely's solo stuff consists mostly of ballads, but there are a few real swingers, especially the 2 duets with Frank Sinatra. Sam Butera's discs are great, too. Sam is a fine vocalist, too and he is just as much fun as Louis, especially in the tracks 'Bugs' and 'French Poodle'. If you're just after an overview of Louis' career, then the 1 CD Capitol Collectors Series CD or the 2 CD Louis Prima/Keely Smith set from the Wild, Cool & Swingin' series are the way to go. This set is for the completist. For me, the set was well worth the price!"